Cambridge students: It’s okay not to get a first

This is an announcement for all of you and your imposter syndrome

4 months ago

It’s mid July and suddenly you’re hit by internship burnout, the realisation of how long summer actually is to be unemployed and the growing realisation that you’re an adult and still don’t know what you want to do when you grow up (which has already happened btw).

By this point, most people seem to have gotten some form of results. Whether you have been give a complete mark breakdown or simply a grade, most of the anticipation seems to be over.

Now it’s just that feeling that you could’ve done better. Which is arguably worse. But there’s things that we can re-think to remind ourselves that it’s alright.

‘Yeah but I only got…’

Ah, the classic. I’d call it the white bread of responding to your grades but I actually like bread and I don’t like people putting down their achievements. This statement can apply to any mark, grade or even qualitative feedback.* It doesn’t reflect you, in fact saying “I only got X” has no bearing on reality; it is relative to your standards.

*I’ve heard people with firsts say this too. I don’t think I can fix them. Sorry nerds. Maybe go read Varsity or something?

‘I ranked low.’

It’s okay: Nobody outside Cambridge knows what tripos ranking is. And besides the fact that it’s an archaic practice and it sucks and achieves nothing but comparison, increased pressure and more drive to work past burnout, a low ranking isn’t final.

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It’s not the end until it’s the end – you sat through at least two interviews with multiple academics. You’ve sat entrance exams and made it to your position by your own merits. Cambridge believes in you – believe in yourself. Target your weaknesses, refine your strengths – you can’t do anything about the past but you’ve still got a shot for your future. Especially if you’re a first year.

You can also opt out of publication of your rankings outside the Senate House on Camsis, if needed.

‘It’s not a first.”/ “It’s not full marks.” / “I’m not top.’

Do you think that the emptiness in your soul would be quenched by perfection? Probably not. That’s sort of how perfectionism works. You’d probably still want to get better, but with nowhere to go. Not to mention the pressure of maintaining top grades or rankings, especially over the holidays as the constant thought of “I should be working” creeps in.

‘I’m only average.’

An average Cambridge student? I don’t think that’s an insult. I do, however, think that it’s concrete evidence that you should be here. You’re what Cambridge was looking for; they didn’t fumble in your interview. They knew exactly what they were doing. You’re at the same standard as most of your peers; you didn’t fail, you’re right where you need to be.

Go forth, average student of one of the best universities in the world, take this in your stride.